“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven (v44-45)”. Jesus taught his disciples that belonging to the kingdom of heaven meant living in a way radically opposed to what the world considers ‘normal’. Those who are humble and broken, who long for righteousness and actively pursue peace, risk rejection in this world (v11). Yet in the Father’s eyes, they are beloved children and citizens of heaven.

“Blessed are the merciful ..." (v7). When we trust Jesus to make us God’s children, we are joining a kingdom of mercy and righteousness. Living by the values of that kingdom brings rewards beyond anything the world offers (v12).